Dhenkanal Heritage Walk Explores Tapoban, Linked to Mahima Swami’s Spiritual Journey

Dhenkanal: A trail through the hills of Dhenkanal took heritage enthusiasts to Tapoban, a site associated with Mahima Swami and the early spiritual journey of Mahima Dharma, during the 41st edition of Dhenkanal Heritage Walks (DHW).

The heritage walk was held at Tapoban, where Mahima Swami, regarded as the founder and principal proponent of Mahima Dharma, is believed to have undertaken years of spiritual penance or sadhana in the Kapilas mountain range.

Shrimad Raghunath Baba, head of the Tapoban Mahima Ashram, briefed participants about the history of the site, the Mahima tradition and the festivals observed at the ashram.

According to accounts shared during the walk, Mahima Swami appeared in Puri in 1826 and spent time spreading awareness about his spiritual ideas. He began his rigorous sadhana in the Kapilas hills in 1832 and continued his spiritual practice for 24 years before formally propagating Mahima Dharma in 1862.

Mahima Dharma emerged in Odisha in the 19th century around the worship of Shunya, understood as the Void or Absolute. Its philosophy emphasises the oneness of the Supreme Being, or Brahmaikavada, along with a society without distinctions based on caste, creed or social hierarchy.

Raghunath Baba said local accounts associate the long period of Mahima Swami’s penance with support from people living around the site. During the first 12 years, Sadananda Sabar of Kadua village is said to have provided fruits for his sustenance, while the then King of Dhenkanal reportedly supplied cow’s milk during the latter 12 years.

The site was identified as the place of Mahima Swami’s sadhana following research and examination of sources including Achyutananda’s Malika, commentaries attributed to Sridhar Swami and writings of Bhima Bhoi, along with work by several researchers, Raghunath Baba said.

Following the identification, an Akhanda Bati, or Eternal Lamp, temple and an ashram were established at Tapoban in 1981, turning the site into an important centre associated with the Mahima tradition.

Participants also discussed the wider significance of Mahima Dharma, which originated in Odisha and has carried a message centred on compassion and the alleviation of suffering among living beings. The tradition has since gained recognition beyond the state.

However, the walk also highlighted a basic infrastructure concern. The Tapoban site does not yet have a permanent paved road providing access to the religious and heritage destination. Participants said improved connectivity could make the site more accessible to visitors and help bring greater attention to its historical and spiritual significance.

The 41st DHW was convened by Suresh Prasad Mishra, while Prashant Kumar Mohapatra, secretary of the Tapoban Management Trust, coordinated the programme. Several ascetics from the ashram participated in the event and performed Mahima bhajans.

The heritage walk offered participants an opportunity to explore a lesser-known site in Dhenkanal while tracing the history of a spiritual tradition that emerged from Odisha and continues to form part of the state’s cultural heritage.